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Sunday, May 15, 2011

So...I drove 3+ hours in the rain to get to Akron, Ohio. It went fast and the ride was pleasant because it was filled with expectation and excitement. Why, you ask? Why else? I was going to a Taylor Hicks concert again!

I had not been to a Taylor Hicks show since last summer, due to family and travel issues, so this was a special treat. And BOY, was it ever worth it! Musica is situated quite oddly in an alley off a main street. Our hotel was close by but due to weather, we took a taxi to eat at Crave, which was excellent by the way. We then walked over to the entrance to Musica, which was a building with a small doorway entrance through the alley...LOL.

What a surprise once we entered! It appeared to be a converted garage and was just fantastic inside! Classy woody atmosphere with beams and wood built bar. Very nice but small stage and had tables on the floor in front, and then back tables with bar stools and some standing room. Acoustics were great! Venue wasn't full until just before Taylor came on and then it was fully packed!

We chose a table back on the raised part with bar stools and a ledge to rest our things on. This was directly in front of the stage and slightly above the floor, so we had a fantastic view of the entire place and of course, Taylor and his band. The usual introductions took place after the opening act, and then Taylor Hicks entered the stage area.

The rest of the evening just flew by and became a blur and whirl of some of the MOST FANTASTIC performances I've seen from our SoulMan yet! Three standouts for me were:

Maybe You Should, the most tender version ever!

Rough Go Go Ridin, a Van Morrison cover and new addition to the set list.

And the encore song, Ohio which was very well received.

Nineteen also got a huge applause and Jeff played his always poignant sax piece at the end. Taylor did Naked in the Jungle, a song which he hasn't performed for a while and which got the place rockin hard! As I looked around me, I saw a group of young fans who were totally into him and also some new faces from the Akron area. When I spoke to a couple in back of me, the woman shared that they had never seen Taylor Hicks in concert and that this was a 20 yr anniversary present for each other. After the show, I asked how they liked it and they were all but speechless :)

Our SoulMan made Akron's storms small in comparison to the mighty power Taylor Hicks and his fantastic Band raised in the small but well filled venue! If you need a little peek at this wonderful show to inspire you to buy a ticket for a future show, click the video above....and have some tissue handy :)

After the show, people did not want to leave. Taylor signed and took photos, and then the band stayed to hang out with those of us who were still there. All in all, a fabulous evening with Taylor Hicks and his band, and well worth the wet ride up there. I cannot wait for Manistee!

For my all of my videos, you can check Gypsee44 at Youtube to watch. To get downloads and my photos, please visit our member area at TaylorMadeOnline Media in our Tour 2011 section, Musica in Akron.

LOVED THE SHOW, LOVE YOU TAYLOR HICKS, LOVE YOU, BAND!

Musica Set List:Compared to WhatJust To Feel That WayBack to LouisanaThe MazeHold On To Your LoveMaybe You ShouldRough God Go RidinCan't You Hear Me KnockingNaked in the JungleSeven Mile Breakdown*Encore*Ohio

I'm glad you had fun Gypsee. Taylor never fails to deliver a great concert. Each song sung a little differently every time. He also has the nicest band members out there. I just love Jeff's flute solo after nineteen. Brings tears to my eyes. Jeff once told me that he has to do everything he can not to cry when they do that song. It's a heartbreaker.